Brotherly Game Daily Links: Curtin and Union look to build from Orlando win

Philadelphia Union News

Pressing Points | Sparking a Run
With a bunched up Eastern Conference Playoff picture, Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin spoke with the media about how he intends to approach the next ten games following Sunday’s 3-1 win against Orlando.

Philly’s 2026 World Cup bid unveils ace in the hole as Comcast joins the campaign to win FIFA’s approval
As Boston and D.C. load up their off-the-field influence, Philly’s bid brought Comcast’s CEO and Telemundo’s chairman to meet with FIFA - a reminder of how much Comcast has spent on World Cup rights.

Philadelphia Union not intimidated by Atlanta United in East six-pointer
“There’s no secret they have an incredible amount of attacking talent, they added a $12 million DP too,” Curtin said. “When you watch them, it’s so dynamic and dangerous. With the talent and quality they have, we recognize it’s a difficult task. But at the same time, if we’re organized and disciplined, we can hurt them on the break. ... Pineda has come in and done a great job, they’re flying right now.

MLS News

Bundesliga, Serie A & EPL clubs show interest as Ricardo Pepi nears transfer
Just 18 years old, Pepi has exploded onto the scene this season, scoring 12 goals in 24 MLS appearances despite FC Dallas struggling below the playoff line in the Western Conference.

Concacaf News

CCL expansion plan keeps everyone singing from same hymn sheet for now
With the Leagues Cup expansion and the advent of the Central American and Caribbean tournaments, Concacaf has created similar parallel pathways for its teams to get in, even if there’s an outsized number of teams in the historically dominant North American region with 18 North American teams in compared to six from Central America and three from the Caribbean.